Photinia Leaf Spot: NC State Fungicide Table

Recommended Fungicides (per 100 gal) Banner: 12–20 fl oz Daconil 2787 75W: 1.5 lb Daconil 2787 4.1F: 2 pt Chlorothalonil: see label Fore 80W: 1.5 lb Bayleton 25W: 0.5–1 lb (repeat may injure) Funginex EC: see label Sp

Boxwood Pruning in March: Perfect Time for Rejuvenation

Timing March 7 is ideal for rejuvenation pruning. Guidelines Cut no lower than 12–18 inches. Expect slow recovery (seasons).

Loropetalum Chlorosis from Cement: Acidify Soil, Add Organic Matter

Cause Cement in soil raised pH → iron deficiency (chlorosis). Leaves yellow, only green up slightly in season. Fix Add compost/organic matter. Test pH; add sulfur/gypsum to acidify.

Rhododendron No Blooms After Hard Pruning: Low Nitrogen Fertilizer

Cause Severe pruning at wrong time (early spring/late fall) removes flower buds → shock state. Recovery Low-nitrogen fertilizer spring and fall (encourages flowers). Buds typically return in 2–3 years.

Gardenia Care: Neem Oil for Scale/Aphids, Avoid Horticultural Soap

Pest Identification Black mold + yellow leaves = scale or aphids (honeydew → sooty mold). Why Neem Oil Gardenias sensitive to horticultural soaps/oils. Neem oil controls pests without phytotoxicity.

Allamanda Yellowing at Sprinkler Head: Drainage Fix or Relocate

Diagnosis Yellowing only at sprinkler head = excess water + poor drainage. Options Move sprinkler head. Replace with moisture-tolerant plant. Why Not Just Reduce Water Watering ban already limits to 1×/week. Drainage

Mature Holly Sudden Defoliation: Winter Desiccation from Temperature Swing

Cause Warm Dec/Jan spell followed by deep freeze = winter desiccation. Holly transpired during warm spell, then roots frozen couldnt replace water. Only Remedy Heavy spring fertilization to force new growth.

Rust Color on Rhododendron and St. John's Wort: Mites or Phytophthora

Two Possibilities Mites: Treat with registered miticide on leaf undersides (2+ applications). Phytophthora canker: Fungicide labeled for Phytophthora. General Care Fertilize, water well.

Loropetalum Leaf Loss: Winter Injury in Exposed Site

Diagnosis Backyard plant losing leaves, front yard fine = low temperature injury in exposed location. Front plant sheltered. Recovery Amend soil with compost. Low-nitrogen fertilizer.

Pruning Sweet Olive (Osmanthus): Post-Bloom, Gradual

Timing After flowering finishes. Method Remove 6–8 inches at a time. Stimulates lower growth. Dont over-prune in one session.

Chinese Wisteria Not Blooming: OSU Fact Sheet Guide

Common Causes Excess vegetative growth. High nitrogen fertilizer. Insufficient light. Complete Resource Ohio State University fact sheet: HYG-1246 covers all wisteria care.

Skyrocket Juniper Root Depth: Feeder Roots Shallow, Anchors Deep

Root Profile Feeder roots: top 6–8 inches. Anchor roots: 2+ feet deep. Less invasive than many species.

Inkberry Holly Winter Injury: Burlap Protection for Next Year

Diagnosis Yellow to brownish-black leaves in Michigan spring = low temperature injury. Frozen soil prevents water uptake during cold snaps. Recovery Fertilize and water steadily this spring. Next winter: wrap in burlap

Moving Crowded Evergreen Shrubs: Cool Weather, Big Root Balls

When While weather cool, adequate rain (spring or fall). Technique Maximize root ball size. New hole 2× root ball. Add Plant Health Care Tree Saver to backfill. Water well.

Topiary Pruning Basics: Resources for Shaping Evergreens

Learning Topiary Precision pruning to geometric forms (balls, cones, clear trunks) requires practice. Resources Web: Gardengrapevine Precision Pruning Book: The Illustrated Practical Encyclopedia of Pruning, Training &

Weeping Cherry Upright Branches: Normal, Prune in Spring

Cause Some upright branches grow above graft—latent growth pattern, not rootstock suckers. Action Prune off in spring. Thin canopy for air flow. Scars heal and disappear over time.

Privacy Hedge Plants for Minnesota: Honeysuckle, Holly, Juniper

Recommended Mix Honeysuckle (fast, fragrant) American Holly (evergreen, berries) Upright Junipers (tall, narrow) Privet, Cedars as alternatives Cost Varies by local nursery. Get quotes for 14,000 sq ft perimeter.

Primrose Growing Guide: Native Biennial Basics

Native American Primrose (Oenothera) Full sun. Well-drained, neutral soil. Biennial: lives 2 years. Other Types Many primrose species exist. Identify yours for specific care.

Puppy-Pruned Crepe Myrtle: Fence It, Expect Fewer Blooms

Damage Assessment Puppy chewed 1 ft off top. Prune ragged cuts clean. Install mesh fence. Bloom Impact Some flowers this year, but fewer. Plant will recover. Why Dogs Chew Crepe Myrtle Unknown—possibly odor, texture, o

Gardenia Bud Drop: Night Temperature Critical

Key Factor from Pettiti Research Gardenia buds drop if night temperatures exceed 62°F. Even one warm night prevents bud formation. Other Requirements ≥4 hours sun daily. Constant moisture (air and soil). Acid fertilize